TV Star Lisa Riley Talks Body Confidence

The irrepressible actress and Strictly star Lisa Riley opens up about her fabulous curves, bullying and why dancing is a great way to get fit

You look amazing! Did you always have such a positive body image? I wasn’t a fat kid, I started out cuddly and it wasn’t until I hit puberty that I started to gain weight. Luckily my Mum brought me up to be happy with my size. There is a stigma that if you’re large you sit around at home all day eating chips. But I'm definitely fit and healthy and I proved that when I did Strictly last year.

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You say your self-confidence is down to your Mum… Yes, she brought me up to be an individual and not to worry about looking the same as everyone else. She taught me that as long as you’re genuinely happy within your skin, just be yourself. Of course, dancing so much on the Strictly tour this year I have dropped weight and some people say, “Don't slim down, you'll change”, but I never will - whatever my dress size, I will always be me.

Have you ever suffered from preconceptions about your weight? When I was on Emmerdale I was a dartboard. I was out with friends and strangers told me I had no right being on TV because I was an ‘ugly, fat mess’. I wanted to tell them I was doing my job, just trying to entertain people. It’s a small percentage of people but bullies are out there and they hurt. Hopefully being on Strictly helped break down those barriers but I’ll do anything I can to help end bullying. It’s a worrying time as there is so much pressure on children to look a certain way, and incidences of anorexia and bulimia are at a high. As a child I always had American actress Bette Midler to look up to. She was kooky, big, with a large Jewish nose and talent beyond belief.

Lisa Riley's down-to-earth tips to getting fit

Suit yourself. You don’t have to be one of those fanatical 'I exercise at 6am, it sets me up the day' types. If it’s easier, workout at 3pm when the gym is full of mums and tots.

It doesn’t have to cost lots. You don’t need to buy lots of flash, expensive kit. Just put on your joggers and get going.

Start slowly. Just walk the treadmill or try Aqua Fit. You’re in the pool so no one sees you sweat! Whatever you do will kick-start your metabolism.

Try dance! Join a local tap class with a couple of girlfriends. You won’t be the next Darcey Bussell but you’ll have a giggle for about £4 and get healthy while having fun. Alternatively, persuade your husband to join you at a local ballroom class.